Cast Iron Cookware: Not Just Your Grandma's Cookware
Cast iron cookware has been a staple in America's kitchens for over one hundred years. It was an indispensable tool for the country cook. Skillets are often passed down from mother to daughter to granddaughter because nothing cooks better than cast iron. Some won't cook with anything else. It's an ideal heat conductor, the heat is distributed evenly and consistently, and it's inexpensive and when properly cared for will last a lifetime.
It's also the cookware of choice for most campers. Being durable and easy to clean the only drawback it has is the weight.
Properly seasoned cast iron cookware will give you stick resistant and great meals every time. What can be cooked in cast iron cookware? Anything. Mexican dishes, sausage and eggs, cornbread and I can almost taste the popcorn my mom used to make by cooking and shaking that old cast iron skillet. That same skillet has been used to make popcorn for my sons when they were growing up, taken on camping trips and I believe cast iron makes the worlds most delicious fried chicken!
Some special care needs to be taken to keep your cast iron cookware in the best possible shape. After cooking, you need to clean the skillet with a stiff brush and hot water. It is not recommended to use soap or harsh detergents. Putting a hot cast iron skillet into cold water can cause it to crack or warp. You need to dry the pan immediately and apply a light coat of cooking spray or vegetable oil while it is still warm. I remember my mom drying the skillet on the stove on a low heat and then recoating it with oil.
Cast iron should always be stored in a cool dry place, and place a paper towel between the lid and the utensil to allow air to circulate. One drawback is you should never wash a cast iron utensil in the dishwasher. Most of us now don't want to use anything that isn't dishwasher safe. However, true fried flavor comes best from a cast iron skillet.
If it would develop a taste, have a metallic smell or has rust spots, don't worry, it's not ruined. Scour off the rust and do wash this time in soap and hot water. Dry and season it before you put it away.